Remote Sensing of the Cryosphere (U03781)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : GEO-3-cryo

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive training in modern satellite remote sensing of the cryosphere, with a particular focus on its contribution to global sea level rise. After a century of polar exploration, the past decade of satellite measurements has painted an altogether new picture of how Earth’s ice cover is changing. As global temperatures have risen, so too have rates of snowfall, ice melting, and glacier flow. According to the 2007 assessment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, sea level projections for the 21st century remain uncertain, because feedback processes which trigger glacier acceleration as the oceans and atmosphere warm are not included in current Global Climate Models. In consequence, continued observation of the cryosphere is essential.
Tuition comprises a combination of lectures, computer-based practical exercises, and student-lead discussion. The course begins with an introduction to the components of the crysophere and the basic principles of remote sensing. This is followed by a review of three contemporary remote sensing techniques (altimetry, interferometry, and gravimetry), for each of which there will be a computer-based practical exercises. The course closes with student presentations of manuscript reviews and a summary of the sea level contribution due to the cryosphere.

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Geography, (School of GeoSciences, Schedule N)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
18/09/2007	14:00	15:50	Room 3.18, Old Infirmary (Geography)	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Tuesday	14:00	15:50	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Course aims
- To understand the basic principles of remote sensing
- To understand modern techniques for determining ice mass balance using satellite observations
- To gain hands-on experience of remote sensing through computer-based practical exercises
- To develop critical, analytical, and presentation skills through literature reviews
- To acquire a sound understanding of contemporary changes in the Cryosphere

Assessment Information

Class assessment: Student presentations and paper critique
Degree assessment: Computer-based practical exercises (40%) plus One two-hour examination (2 questions)(60%)